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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Chap. Copyright No. 

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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QUARTETTO 



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Da Capo 



The Highland Lights 
Silvio Pellico 
La Prima Donna 
V My First Case 




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COPYRIGHT, 1897, 

BY 

RICHARD U. CLARK, 'p^ 



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THE HIGHLAND LIGHTS. 

Very respectfully dedicated to Captain Caulkins, of 
the Sandy Hook Liglitsliip, in memory of his father, who 
for many years was the keeper of Highland Light, Nave- 
sink, N. J. Cattivello. 



THE HIGHLAND LIGHTS. 



I. 

A little while ago, 

Moved by an impulse so, 

We took a holiday, 

Wherein we hoped to pay 

A vow made on the sea 

Some day to go and see 

The man who fed the flame of Highland Lights, 

The faithful watcher through long winter nights ; 

And tend the tribute of our thanks, that he 

Might feel the world not all ungratefully 

Passed and repassed in silence through his years 

Of conscientious service. All in tears, 

One met us at his door, who simply said: — 

''Sir, he is dead." Great God! Our thanks unsaid! 

II. 

xVnd he, the keeper of those Highland Lights, 

We oft had sought afar at sea to see. 

Would never know our vow some day to go 

And pay the thanks his faithful watch inspired 

In us, who, weary of the long voyage, tired, 

Looked for his lights as sentinels of home; 

And when from out the darkness and the foam 

We saw those lights arise, what gladness did we own 

How joyfully our hearts Laus Deo did intone! 



THE HIGIILAXD LIGHTS. 



III. 

It was his wife who said, ''Sir, he is dead. 

Last night he died." We sighed, as we replied 

That we this pilgrimage had made to pay 

The thanks that we had vowed another day, 

That we, too, grieved with her. 'Twould please him well; 

We thought, could he have only heard us tell 

How others thought of him; when, far at sea, 

They watched who would be first of all to see 

The welcome glimmer of the twin tower-lights 

Wherein he spent his nights, with care to trim 

Those beacon lights that have made eyes to swim 

With pious tears of joy that there was home — 

Home and a friend who watched lest in the night 

We should arrive and find no welcoming light. 

IV. 

With hat in hand, bowed head, we left her with her dead. 

Her guiding light had fled. He who those lights had fed 

To guide us on our way, left her without a ray 

Alone to find a port, ^'^'e thought to linger there awhile, 

And sat us down upon the stile near by. 

And with a sigh we gazed upon the dancing waves below. 

Upon the ships there passing to and fro, 

Their white wings spread like sea gulls' wings, that they 

May swiftly make their way to other lights beyond. 



THE HIGHLAND LIGHTS. 



V. 

Long, heavy swells come rushing to the shore, 
Break on the beach with Neptune's sullen roar, 
While the white foam that crests the sapphire blue 
Rises in spray, crowned with the rainbow's hue, 
A phantom light you saw ne'er to review, 
Like human lives, the old give place to new. 
So he, the keeper of these lights, no more 
Will light them, as he has for years before. 
These fires to-night another hand will light 
For other eyes; in other hearts will rise 
The joyful thanks we would have paid to-day 
To him, who, like the ships and phantom lights, 
To other lights beyond hath passed away. 

VI. 

Down on the beach are merry crowds at play. 
Why he is gone, and they are here to-day, 
W^e none of us can say, we but obey 
Some influence innate that comes of fate. 



THE IIIOHLAND LIGHTS. 



VII. 

A sudden breeze, with frolicsome intent, 

Wings to our chapeau lent to fly away. 

And on it flew to where a woman lay 

All unobserved upon the green hillside, 

^Vhose gaze was fixed upon the waters wide. 

With sweet abandon, pillowed on a stone, 

O'er which a shawl had carelessly been thrown. 

Reclined a shapely head; the drapery 

Of the recumbent form was gracefully 

Arranged. As we approached, a noble hound 

Sprang from the ground, and seemed about to bound 

On us. The lady raised her head, and said:-r- 

^'IJedowin, down !" He, with a growl, obeyed, 

And laid him at her feet. No more afraid, 

We then drew near, and our excuses made 

For our intrusion on their company. 

'Twas plain to see 'twas not of our intent, 

But clearly fate that us had thither sent. 

The lady turned her head, and on us bent 

A glance that kindled in our souls a fire, 

A beacon light for life, that in the higher 

Seas of human thought, with its quenchless flame, 

Will light us to some port in realm of fame. 



THE HIGHLAND LIGHTS. 



VIII. 

"It was of fate I mused, sir. Pray sit -there 

Beneath that stunted cedar, and compare 

It to a strong, heroic soul. For years 

Itis gnarled and twisted form with pain it rears 

To battle with the foes that it oppose, 

Yearly escaping its apparent fate — 

Appointed fate decreeing isolate 

It there shall stand, like spectre index finger 

Of an unseen hand, reared on this bold headland. 

Much as these frowning towers display a light 

To guide aright ships passing in the night. 

It points to Fate — that guides men in the way." 

IX. 

You quote St. John, we said. Those soft brown eyes 
Opened upon us with a glad surprise. 
*Tray tell me quickly, sir, how that can be, 
For many Christians disagree with me." 



10 THE HIGHLAND LIGHTS. 



X. 

Deus was God — His word, 
Fatum was fate, and fate the trinity 
Of Time, past, present and to be. 
By poets likened unto sisters three. 
Doth not St. John confirm mythology? 
In the beginning — God; with Him, the Word; 
And the Word was God. That all have heard. 
Then if the Word with God be God, truly 
Fate is the God who universally 
Keigns and obtains; though one hath many names, 
p]ach typifies some power of sovereignty, 
And all perfection are, in Unity. 
He who the truth writ in mythology, 
Sees not confirmed in Christianity, 
Sees not the shadow events cast before. 
To jirove such thesis, measure with this rod — 
Who admits fate acknowledges a God. 



THE HIGHLAND LIGHTS. H 



XI. 

He who is good, the good in all will see, 

And will revere all thought of Deity, 

Wherever veiled or clear it chance to be; 

But baser souls scoff at mythology. 

As are the men, so are their lights alway; 

As are the gods of men, still so are they; 

For God is Light to light men on their way. 

And he who worshii)s at the purest shrine 

Of its refulgence will himself so shine; 

Just as these lights are sentinels of men, 

Whose thought for others shines the light in them. 

Will soon give place to other brighter lights 

The Coming Man will rear upon their sites, 

To voice with brighter flame from taller height, 

Begin their day emerging from our night. 

These and the former lights yet typify 

The Light to come, the Light of Light most High. 

XII. 
"Are 3'ou a poet, sir, to reason so 
Of such progressive types of lights and men? 
To paint a triune God whom all may know, 
In Him that is, v/ill be, and Who hath been? 
Your words imply a perfect harmony 
In all that went before, and is to be." 



12 THE HIGHLAND LIGHTS. 



XIII. 

Poets are born, their mission to perform, 

They must the gallery of time adorn 

With living scenes they in their day have seen; 

Or in their dreams conceived, and they must glean 

From harvests of the past an aftermath, 

And tlierefrom cull the perfect golden grain 

That in those faded sheaves may still remain; 

And from such destined kernels then distill 

Both nectar and ambrosia at will. 

Fed on celestial diet, they may see 

At least the cloud that veils the Deity; 

And that great Light that our humanity 

Cannot endure to see, and seeing, they 

May so much of the Diety portray 

That coming men may know the Light that shone their day. 



THE HIGHLAND LIGHTS. 15 



XIV. 

Let us look backward on the Deity 

By poets pictured in mythology, 

As visions of a presence that they saw, 

Or they conceived to see. Then we no more 

Shall imperfection find, but harmony. 

The vision that they saw, do we not see 

Is the same vision that hath come to be? 

As they upon those ships afar at sea. 

Whose moistened eyes cling fondly to this shore, 

Can now these frowning towers see no more. 

Nor you, nor me, nor yet that cedar tree. 

But a fair mountain bathed in azure bloom, 

A sweet perfume of their last thought of home. 

XV. 

No inharmonious feature therein dwells 
And all its former beauty it excels ; 
But we must look with incorporeal eyes 
To see the hidden beauty therein lies. 

XVI. 

Lend me such eyes, O poet, full of peace! 



14 THE HIGHLAND LIGHTS. 



XVII. 

The loves of all the Gods whom thej did slug 

Made Gods the source from whence all love must spring. 

For "God is Love," our later poets sing. 

Both past and present touch a single string, 

And if we call God Love, or call Him Fate, 

This truth that ''God is all" we inculcate. 

XVIII. 

Evangelist of Fate, the simile 

Of men and lights progressive seems to be 

Founded on truth preserved in poetry. 

Open a broader vision ; show to me 

If dream they had of Christianity. 

XIX. 

The lonely cedar seemed to voice a sigh, 

And, looking upward, we descried the sky 

Filled with huge cumuli piled mountains high, 

Like battlements, full manned, an army to defy. 

The sun is taking flight, night rules the day, 

And beasts and men seek shelter in dismay. 

The ships along the coast and in the bay 

Have dropped their sails, and, floating, helpless lay, 

Awaiting what the fates may have to say. 

The sea has dofifed its festal blue attire, 

And, robed in black, awaiteth now the ire 

The storm god threatens. Sir, let us retire 

For shelter from the storm about to break, 

And in that southern tower our refuge take. 

Climb the long stairway, and from out the light 

View the four elements exert their might. 



THE HIGHLAND LIGHTS. 15 



XX. 

We watched in silence long the lightning play, 
Saw that some force compelled its devious way 
To the celestial batteries, then they, 
The unchained dogs of war, broke into bay, 
With simultaneous tongue, began th' affray. 
Who but a God cast downward at the sea 
The three-pronged fork that shone so vividly. 
And with the speed of thought outran our sight, 
A thing of terror though a thing of light? 
A messenger so dread, who has the might 
To grasp within his hand? On comes the fight! 
Who but a God such mighty voice could own 
As that which now in the deep thunder's tone 
Commands, ''Forward the whirlwind!" 



16 THE HIGHLAND LIGHTS. 



XXI. 

With horrid scream, like flying horses' neigh, 

The clouds are rent, and, eager for the tvaj, 

They hurl themselves upon the earth to slay, 

And in their might they dreadful havoc play. 

First they a volley of great hailstones wing 

By superhuman tension from bowstring. 

As if there should survive no living thing, 

Death universal be their archers' sting. 

Man, beast, tree, flower and shrub alike they smite, 

''No quarter!" screams the blast, ''but all things blight!" 

Another foe comes rushing o'er the plain, 

Olympian flood-gates now their stores of rain 

In torrents empty, as though once again 

By second deluge they sought to attain 

Mankind's destruction. Perish earth, and reign 

O'er earth entombed thou watery sovereign ! 

Mercy! what blinding flash and deaf'ning crash 

Break simultaneously on sight and ear! 

All Heaven is aflame! Sure God was near! 

A heat intense the eyeballs seemed to sear. 

As if the God of Sinai would appear. 

Were it prolonged the twinkling of an eye. 

One had no breath to yield a smothered sigh. 

Ashes of ashes had been left to glean, 

Like baseless fabric of life's idle dream. 



THE HIGHLAND LIGHTS. 17 



XXII. 

standing in that grewsome eerie, 

Midst such elemental war, 
Much we marvelled that the lady 

With such courage there forbore 
To betray a sign of terror — 

Nay, she higher yet would soar. 
Suddenly she turned upon us 
Those great, lustrous eyes divine. 
Open now the vision promised, poet mine. 

XXIII. 

One needs to stand above the world to see 
With incorporeal eyes the nudity 
Unveiled in all its beauty from mythology. 
The Christian sees a Jewish maiden fair 
Standing before a window on the stair. 
Bathed in the rarest sunshine, and her hair 
A golden halo seems to him to wear. 
Her face uplifted, like a statue there 
Chiseled from out Carrara's marble rare. 
She rooted stands, arrested by a vision. 
As it fades away, she moves, we hear her say, 
'^^ccording to Thy word" — then kneels to pray. 



Ig THE HIGHLAND LIGHTS. 



XXIV. 

Some centuries of centuries before 

By their faint lights the early poets saw 

A A'ision much like that we now adore, 

A Grecian maid to whom like words were said. 

She whom God loves they also thought must be 

Highest perfection of humanity, 

For when perfection imperfection takes. 

Creator His creation anew freights 

With His great purpose, and it fecundates. 

Nothing unholy in His thought can lie, 

And where God is He will all sanctify. 

XXV. 

The Manger is the next the Christian sees. 
They saw a cradle — in it, Hercules. 
They saw the serpent; saw Him bruise its head; 
They saw Him later also raise the dead. 



THE HIGHLAND LIGHTS. 19 



XXYI. 

Tliey saw a lonely life. Why was He strong? 
Tbat He might suffer as He righted wrong? 
All other mortals Him they saw excel. 
He, too, they said, ''descended into hell." 
He ascended, and entered Heaven's portals, 
There sitteth, immortal with the immortals. 
God — man. How came those poets so to scan 
The vision that through them has come to man? 

XXVII. 

Not ended is that light. It shines to-day 
With constant ray from headland far away, 
To the more perfect light we know to-day. 
By brighter flame we read of higher force. 
The force of love, that counteth all but loss 
So it can triumph though upon a cross. 
To spend its parting breath in fond adieu. 
^'Father, forgive, they know not what they do ;" 
I love mankind and bring them unto you. 
Grant where we are, they also may be too. 
TraA^ail and toil, hunger, thirst, death, in vain 
Opx'ose — love no defeat e'er knows. 



20 THE HIGHLAND LIGHTS. 



XXVIII. 

With brighter light, can we still truly saj', 

We comprehend our Light much more than they? 

What can we even dimly hope to know? 

Light so upreared upon a cross to show 

Like God's own sun, the way wherein men go. 

gtill less of love, the supreme force that dies 

To human eyes, that its beloved may rise, 

By virtue of vicarious sacrifice 

To find a home prepared in Paradise, 

By love that went before, that in mankind 

Found something so to love. Are we not blind 

To the full measure of such perfect light? 

XXIX. 

Poet of peace, poet of pleasure. 

Of oddest measure ever poet rhymed, 

I will treasure all you have defined. 

Entwined in my remembrance of this hour 

Will abide in all its power, clear outlined, 

The poetry of thought that you have wrought 

Into a vision of pure light, with moral bright. 

That through the ages there has shone one Light 

T'wards which men crept, by which thej- found the way 

To Him Who is the Way, the Truth, the Light. 



THE HIGHLAND LIGHTS. £1 



XXX. 

Think not caprice of idle woman led 

Me to draw forth these thoughts. Of them, a web 

Kound this old tower I weave for all to see, 

Clinging like ivy green in memory 

Of the old keeper, Poet came to see; 

Web woven to reward a Poet's constancy, . 

A proper guerdon fairly won. Well done, 

To come a Poet's vow to pay. Too late ! 

In that was fate, the vow inviolate 

Is kept. Fate justly will perpetuate 

Such kind intent. 

XXXI. 

In every twinkling star that gems the night 
F>ehold a window light, you to invite 
To home of many mansions and delight. 
The vital spark that animates cold clay 
Warms and illumes it throughout life's brief day. 
The poets said from Heaven was stol'n away. 
Its origin divine proclaims that flame 
Eternally survives one and the same. 
And when recalled, returns to whence it came. 
There to shine back on earth with loving ray, 
Each soul its brightness seeking to display. 
That we to them may see how short the way. 



SILVIO PELLICO. 



One night within the moonbeams bright, 
Bathing old Venice in that light 
Which nowhere else can so delight 
The ])oet, painter, lover's sight, 
Past palace wall and prison bar 
I and my love wandered afar. 
When sweetly sounded a guitar, 
Struck by a master hand. 

II. 

A few soft chords in minor key 
Of richest, purest harmony, 
And then upon the tranquil night 
Rang out a human voice so sweet 
As e'er the ear of man could greet, 
Although an angel sang, 
And thus it sung: — 

III. 

'^Ave Maria, let my prayer. 
Floating on this moonlight air. 
Reach thine ear and win for me 
To thy Son a word from thee, 
Asking Him to look on me. 



24 SILVIO PELLICO. 

^'Tell Him, by the world forgot, 
I endure this cruel lot, 
Waiting for the time when He 
From these chains will set me free, 
Who have suffered patiently." 

V. 

The song was done, 

And she beside me, fresh and fair. 

Upon whom yet no weight of care 

Had fallen, then and there, 

In her soprano, rich and rare. 

Sang back: — 

"Chi siete voi chi cantate?" 
Then, as an echo, 
Soft and low, 

"I am Silvio Pellico." 

VI. 

And she to me, "What speaks this name?" 
Why seek to know? Let the sweet song 
Remain alone, nor bear along 
With it the tale of cruel wrong 
He suffers. Qu' importe savoir 
De Thomrae qui chante la triste histoire. 
No bird could sweeter song avoir. 
Because w^e know its plume and name. 
Come, tread with me, love, the grand aisle, 
Where the great dead of Albion's Isle 
Are sepulchred, and muse awhile. 
While I from this thy thoughts beguile. 



SILVIO PELLICO. 25 



VII. 



Peace to their ashes, but I hold 
That when they gave the world their song 
To sing throughout the ages long, 
They did themselves and lineage wrong 
To make it bear their name along. 
If Dante, Byron, Milton sang 
Sweet songs for all the w orld to sing, 
They did a great and glorious thing; 
And yet we hear the echo ring 
With all their faults and frailties. 
What cares the world for him who sings, 
So that the song sweet music brings, 
And opens in the heart new springs, 
Or lends us wings to fly to better things? 

VIII. 
I hold with Arthur and his knights, 
With Coeur de Lion, Ivanhoe, 
NeAvcomers will not undergo 
The force renown gives to thy blow. 
Where once thy blazonry they know ; 
And so, to find them, one must go 
With new device and heraldry 
To prove that higher ecstacy — 
Proven superiority — 
Divested of both fame and name. 
No ghoul then can rake ashes dead 
To spit this venom at a line, 
'^Hic jacet one of fancies fine 
On whom his progeny recline 
In mute inglorious decline." 



26 SILVIO PELLICO. 



IX. 

Men look upon their talents 

As a means to wealth; 

But wealth leads not to glory. 

Of the earth earthy, it is foul corruption. 

He who would write his impress on his time 

Must doubly seal his ears, 

And lash him fast to the mast 

Until the Isle is past, 

Lest the sweet singing of the Siren Gold 

Lead him to ruin, like the kings of old. 

Let me carve out a name 

That comes and ends with me ; 

No sponsors, but its echo 

As a song, sweet, clear and free, 

As Pellico in chains now sings. 



SILVIO PELLICO. 27 



X. 

And she, "Thy thought is selfish; 

I would not have it so. 

Man's thought is not alone his work; 

It is the soul's bright gift of God, 

Who gifts not all alike. 

Hast thou not chosen me to be 

The mother of thy brood? Are we 

r>ut one? If I be merged in thee. 

Losing all my identity, 

Still shall I live in history. 

As part of thee, and to that property 

Which vests in me from thee, 

I claim my right perpetually, 

Though nothing but a name there be. 

That is a knightly legacy 

That carries far. Dear lord and liege. 

Thy last command, 'Noblesse oblige,' 

Thy thought would work grave tort to me 

Who shine by thy refulgency. 

But from this subject let us go, 

And tell me of this Pellico." 



28 8ILVI0 PELLICO. 



XI. 

No, not to-night; in years to come 

'Twere better, love, then to be sung; 

And so one night in other clime, 

I sang to her the following rhyme: — 

Silvio Pellico is dead. 

A clean soul meet for Heaven hath fled 

And now is free, after years of captivity. 

XII. 

Meekly he strove his penance to fulfil, 
Appointed him, he knew, by Divine will. 
Por some wise purpose yet unknown 
To human ken, the seed that he had sown 
Another harvest should have grown. 

XIII. 

Salnzzo rears his statue as a son, 

Who bound in dungeons, still hath won 

Perhaps e'en more renown than many a crown. 



SILVIO PELLICO. 29' 



XIV. 

Ou mother's breast, Bambino piats bis hand 

And faintly smiles. Beside her stand 

Twins, older — Rosina, strong and fair; 

Silvio, boy so pale and frail that there 

Seems little hope that he can lone; abide, 

For priest and doctor in this coincide, 

''Too frail for earth," and bid her be resigned 

To lose the tender blossom with her life entwined. 

A mother's heart loves aye most tenderly 

The little one that most needs loved to be, 

And now she puts the baby down, and takes upon her knee 

The fading boy, whom it is grief to see 

With each day fade perceptibly. 

Even as she prays comes inspiration ; 

In those parched lips she puts great Nature's font, 

To him worn out with pain. 

And bids him drain, so, giving life again 

And day by day she wins him back to life. 



30 SILVIO PELLICO. 



XV. 

Can human heart intenser pleasure know, 

After long weeks of keen anxiety, 

Than is expressed in that one overflow 

Of grateful tears that speak thy thanks for thee? 

Thy prayers have won the victory 

O'er death; the child is spared to thee. 

Ah, child, so precious, what will be thy fate, 

Thou so regained when at the very gate 

Of death? Oh, mother, in those after years. 

When time had changed the sweet to bitter tears. 

Oft must thou queried if for good or ill 

Had been those prayers for him. 

XVI. 

Stop, for the scene is solemn. 

The weary months and years of agony are o'er. 

'Terfide Albion's" imprisoned guest is at the door 

Of death. "Josephine — the Army — France!" 

Within, death's rattle ring, the beam from out the glance 

Is gone, the threshold's past, and once again he's free. 



SILVIO PELLICO. 31 



XVII. 

See, perched aloft, amidst the Alpine snows, 
L'armee d'ltalie! Hark! What a shout uprose 
When he unfurled the flag, and said that day: — 
"Soldiers, France owes you much — can nothing pay. 
Below lays Italy — I lead the way! 
Forward, march! I'll find a way to pay!" 

XVIII. 

That was the Alpha and Omega of a brief career 
The world loves to call great. To us it rather would appear 
A mockery of greatness, which survives and dominates 
Of its own force and to the end of time perpetuates 
Itself, greatness, whether incarcerate or free as air. 
If we refer to him, 'tis that we may better compare 
Two prisoners of state at the same period of time, 
The nobler to accentuate the hero of our rhyme. 

XIX. 

The one fretted his soul in dungeon, like moth a garment. 
When forced to live within himself, 'twas bitterest torment. 
His great ambition was to shine, and had no other bent 
Than personal 'grandizenient. A million lives by him spent 
Did pay the way that made his day, and later made Sedan. 
Had all the blood he spilled of France blossomed and fully flow- 
ered, 
Germania ne'er had seen the day when she was found empowered 
Alsace and Lorraine to steal, with all their dot endowered. 



32 SILVIO PELLICO. 



PART 11. 



I. 

If here, we take a plunge into the Idyllic 

Mere, 'tis to narrate the fate of the angelic 

Congenital associate, fair Kosina. 

Sweet Sposina, who was to all carina, 

But to Silvio ever Angiolina, 

The alter ego in his every dream, 

And of that lowly household the sunbeam. 

II. 

The fair Kosina weds at sweet fifteen. 

And leaves the nest where nurtured she had been. 

Ring out your sweetest chimes, oh, wedding bells! 

Let fleecy zephyrs, as they bore Psyche, 

Carry the swelling peals far out to sea. 

There on some mast to break at length in glee, 

The sailor boy's emotion to surprise, 

Who dreams of home, and opens wide his ej^es 

As if celestial music of the skies 

Rang in his ears. Let echoed blessings float 

In every ringing note from brazen throat. 

That once again the holy sacrifice 

Upon love's altar burns with sweet incense. 



SILVIO PELLICO. 33 



III. 

The keen maternal instinct caught alarm 
At thought of rudely separating link 
Of psychical connection. On the brink 
Of such dilemma she soon came to think 
It wise that Silvio with her should go 
To Paris, and that there in time the blow 
Of separation would be tempered so 
No dire effect would light on Silvio. 

IV. 

''Thus are the purposes of Deity 

Fulfilled," says Homer, where men grope blindly 

There the eternal plan in embryo 

Awaits its timely fruit, as we now show, 

On the connate fate of the twins Pellico. 

Gathered to that great city they drew apart, 

She to her growing household, and he to art. 

V. 

If ne'er had been awakened in his soul 
Ambitions by this visit to Paris 
That soon became too strong for his control. 
He had not won his fame so painfully. 



34 SILVIO PELLICO. 



VI. 

Addio, Rosina, daughter of su^h mother! 
May you increase and multiply, and still other 
Fair daughters after you ; about you ever hover 
All blessings of content, good health and holy peace! 
Alas, 'twould make you shudder, did you to-day know 
The fate in store for your twin brother Silvio. 

VII. 

And farewell, mother, of a faith divine. 
As homeward now thou plodd'st thy lonely way, 
Feeling life's sun dwarfed by many a ray. 
Leaving behind twin blossoms of thy flower; 
In Heaven above serenely reigns the power 
Alone can comfort now each lonely hour! 

VIII. 

Ah, this is true of thee, the Great Book tells, 

"But little lower than the holy angels" 

Art thou. Farewell, oh, mother, with sad heart! 

IX. 

Pellico had ambitions more sublime 
Than all the others of his name and line. 
He hoped to live remembered in his rhyme 
And "his land's language" to the end of time. 
All the world know his famous tragedy, 
The oft played Francesca da Rimini. 



SILVIO PELLICO. 35 



X. 

Milan was then Athens of Italy. 

There none more graceful nor refined than he. 

That time they formed a great society, 

Stimulating educationally 

From classic sleep tlieir dearly loved country. 

Patriotic conciliatore, 

They styled themselves, and labored right nobly 

New methods, practical machinery 

To introduce, hoping prosperity 

Would hail the rosy dawn of liberty 

Italia, they prayed, would ere long see. 

XI. 

He was the friend of Byron, Shelley, and 
Of all the literati in his land, 
A bright and shining band, none other wand 
Conjured more stirring fancies at command 
Than his, and this bright flame of promise rare 
Was spent, extinguished in a single hour 
By Austrian tyrant's cruel power. 



36 SILVIO PELLICO. 



XII. 

During his brief lifetime had arisen 

Above the horizon Napoleon's star. 

Thrones had been overturned : the God of War 

Let loose the dogs, and soon both near and far 

Chaos followed close on the triumphal car. 

And when Napoleon's wondrous star grew pale, 

And died from out the starry firmament, 

Austria came again with full intent 

To doubly bind and punish who had lent 

Their might her dynasty to blight. 

XIII. 

Men of letters, imagine what it is 

To one so qualified, with mind like his. 

To write good plays and to the censor hie! 

After elimination, hear reply: 

''This you may publish; that part forbid I." 

Or if to fancies sweet you give the rein, 

From sweet Erato catch a bright refrain 

You long to reproduce, to be told plain : — 

''Here, if such notions you do entertain. 

And try to publish, you'll incur the pain 

Of my displeasure." Well, that's the measure 

Applied to writers then by Austria. 



SILVIO PELLICO. 37 



XIV. 

Pellico, and some hundreds more beside, 
Soon felt the iron arm about them glide. 
They were arrested, chargel, in secret tried 
As Carbonari, patriots allied. 
Some to the mountain wilds fled to reside, 
And there for years the tyrant's power defied. 

XV. 

There is no question that his sympathy 
Was with his countrymen, we will agree. 
They hated Austria, and with good cause. 
'Tis possible, though not in evidence. 
They meditated then some great offence. 
This seems admitted by one brief sentence : — 
"Had I been vile enough my life to buy 
Another to betray, I was told I 
Need not then die." 

XVI. 

Let us be brief, 

And turn this cruel leaf. 

Condemned to die! 

He hears it with a sigh, 

But with no tears. 

His cheek pales not with fears. 

Commuted to imprisonment for twenty years 

In close confinement small mercy to us appears. 



38 SILVIO PELLICO. 



XVII. 

There are philosophers who love to state 
Nor good nor ill exist save by compare. 
Their maxim serves us here to illustrate 
Two captive heroes the same date who bear 
Unequally awarded lots by fate. 
Peace hath her heroes no less great than war. 
In minstrels' songs their names live evermore. 
The one, once little, grown a Caesar great, 
Making, unmaking kings, himself the State, 
Now stripped of titles, friends, and countiy, too. 
Guilty of crimes he ne'er could expiate, 
And of the blood that ran at Waterloo, 
Abandoned now to useless, sad repine, 
Did in six years his soul to God resign. 

XVIII. 

The other, guiltless of the first offence. 

Had harsher lot, and Austria's pretence 

That he might lead his people to be free 

Served its bad purpose. The crime liberty 

Embraces all the others, and so he 

Unjustly suffered this indignity. 

He invoked manhood's strength, and not in vain ; 

Though in that dungeon dark he lived alone. 

His soul the brighter from his trials shone. 

He won the hardest vict'ry man can win, 

The victory o'er self, to want nothing. 



SILVIO PELLICO. 39 



XIX. 



Orpheus went to Hell, there to regain 

His lost Eurydice. 'Twas all in vain. 

And Dante there so often went and came 

As to win fame and an eternal name. 

While Milton's later graphic pictures flame 

With all the lurid lights he there could frame, 

And all of these do picture much the same 

Array of scenes and beings which there came 

And went. Flame, tortures, anguish without name, 

These are examples of a poet's right. 

And in like manner we you now invite 

To other scenes not very far unlike. 

We enter now the clouds and dim darkness; 

The vapid damps, the icy chill impress 

Forebodings dread. Odors fetid oppress. 

You sigh for light, but here no light can come. 

Here, they who live, with use of light are done. 

You breathe the noxious vapors of despair. 

Here the crushed heart and outraged manhood die. 

Rejoicing from such life they may so fly. 

By day, a never ending, new regret ; 

By night, such horrid dreams its glooms beget. 

You wake and shriek for help, no answer get. 

See, there's a figure sitting there so low, 

Chained to the wall ! 'Tis Silvio Pellico. 

But hark! that marv'lous voice 

Breaks into song so choice 

The grim walls echo and again 

That sweet, sad strain, it to retain 

Like sunbeam rare 

Perpetually there. 



40 SILVIO PELLICO. 



XX, 

"Are not five sparrows for ts\'0 farthings sold?" 

If He Who notes their fall still me uphold 

Why should I then repine? 

Am I not dearer far 

Than many sparrows are 

To Him Who bides with me? 

Calm and serene, my soul shall dominate 

Ev'ry surrounding and all ills of fate, 

And if He call me to Him soon or late, 

His raptures to enjoy, that blessed state 

Where raptures are, why need I wait 

My gratitude to sing? 

Beneath that all protecting wing I nothing lack. 

XXI. 

Joy thrives on joy, as sorrow feeds on sorrow. 
Count all as gain and think not of to-morrow. 
All the years are but to-day; 
Sing, then, sweetly while you may. 
You may cheer some heart that's drear 
From oft repining. 



SILVIO PELLICO. 41 



XXII. 

After ten years of holy constancy 

They oped the prison door and set him free. 

He knew not if his parents still survived, 

But soon that point he fully satisfied, 

And hastening day by day his homeward way, 

He came again that weary head to lay 

Upon his white-haired mother's breast, and say, 

All choked with sighs and tears, 

^'ThankGod! Once more 

Thy blessing I implore.*' 

And those dear hands are raised 

To bless a white-haired broken man, 

Her boy, her joy. 

XXIII. 

Once more he took his pen. Ah, then 
All Europe paid the homage of its tears, 
At his recital of those cruel years 
Passed in '^Le mie prigioni." 



7o His Excellency, Levi P. Morton, Governor of the State 

of New York: 
Excelsior: — 
A poet clothes with imagery his thought, 

And from his casement, like Noah's dove, it flies 
Upon the wings of fate, with purpose fraught : 

The thought lives on — alas! the poet dies. 
Unlike the dove, it by no instinct taught, 

Still lodgment finds, and cometh not again 
To tell its author by green token brought, 

His faith hath triumphed, earth doth still retain 
The seed implanted; that its flower will reign. 
We launch to-day our charming Prima Donna, 
If in the ways of fate she meet Your Honor, 
Perchance to j'ou she'll prove a worthy donor 
Of good advice. Preaching's an easy trade, 
This is the first that ever she essayed ; 
Leave her the hope she not too long delayed, 
For unto this, you must subscribe, we know, 
"Se non e vero, e ben trovato." 



LA PRIMA DONNA. 43 



LA PRIMA DONNA. 



I. 

Madame sits in her sunny boudoir, 
Clad in a soft, rose-tinted peignoir, 
Fanning herself with a lace mouchoir. 
Humming sweet airs from II Trovator. 
Idly she glances along the shore 
Where the white foam breaks forevermore. 
Marie, the maid, sewing by the door. 
Mends a small rent made the night before 
In the costly brocade Madame wore. 
L'enfant terrible rolls on the floor, 
Just now, an exasperating bore. 
The vandal deliberately tore 
That instant a book of ancient lore. 
Which time or money cannot restore. 

II. 

Is Madame wife, widow, or divorcee? 
Excuse us, we really cannot say. 
It matters not greatly, anyway. 
She only moved in the other day, 
Paid one month's rent, gave security. 
What more could landlord ask properly? 



44 LA PRIMA DO^''yA. 



III. 

Society takes what comes to-day, 
Provided the purse for all can pay, 
And one lives in a swell sort of way. 
Though she be perilous as she is fair, 
And every charm is filled with venom there, 
We must confess her ways bewitching are. 

IV. 

Madame is an actress, a star. 

Of galaxy histrionic. 

If she beam on you from afar. 

Call up at once your Platonic 

Eeserve force of philosophy, 

Lest otherwise lost you may be. 

This Milky Way embryonic 

Is of things not astronomic. 

In the boundless expanse "starry" 

Men are lost much more frequently 

Than in the waters of earth's sea. 

jFor in those spheres are satellites 

With horns — Great and Little Bear — there; 

Crabs and Scorpions are Zodiac lights. 



LA PRIMA DONNA. 45 



V. 

In your youth — fear not, we're discreet, 

And shall not enquire when was that — 

You regarded Blue Beard as a treat, 

Ketreated quite often and sat 

In horrors entranced. This advanced 

Age prefers something new and quite true. 

Such fables no longer will do for the savants of 1892. 

And this charming picture we paint to you, 

Comprenez-vous? is positively true 

To the life. 

VI. 

You are now at West End by the Sea, 
Where the breakers come rolling ashore. 
And the ''stars" from every hostelry 
Come daily for their bath about four. 
They Neptune implore charms to restore 
That the winter's dissipation wore 
Down so fine only time and the brine 
Can again enshrine. 



46 LA PRIMA DONNA. 



VII. 

They heed not a known precept divine. 
^'Make clean first the inside every time." 
They wash for a whole month at the sea, 
Then to Saratoga they all flee, 
The inside to wash as thoroughly. 
So they be clean without and within, 
We assume they'll be pardoned the small sin 
Of reversing the order of cleansing. 

VIII. 

Just now Madame wears a slight frown — 
Some thought won't, at her bidding, down. 
A rebellious mental compound 
Deranges that peace so profound, 
With her habitually found. 

IX. 

A little knock this peaceful scene disturbs. 
The curious child's impatience soon she curbs. 
Then bids Marie the robe to lay aside, 
And to attend the door, that on its slide 
Is softly opened, just a little way. 
There is brought in upon a silver tray 
A card announcing Professor Toschay. 
^'Bid him await. I'll descend presently. 
Quickly, Marie, attire me! I now see 
My sea bath to-day omitted must be." 



LA PRIMA DONNA. 47 



X. 

When Madame descended, all equipped, 
Marie, in reverie profound dipt, 
"I wonder why Monsieur's here to-day? 
She did not expect him. I dare say 
He wants some money, AVhat mystery 
Hangs over these people I will see." 
Madame assumes an air of plaisantrie : — 

XI. 

"Bon jour, Professor, welcome to the sea! 

So glad you came. Your name that instant we 

Had just pronounced. You will remain to dine?" 

"To-day, excusez-moi. I have but time 

To speak a word, which you, of course, divine." 

XII. 
"How much, my dear Professor, want you now?" 
"Five hundred dollars I must have, somehow! 
You are aware my studies in science 
Can only be maintained at great expense." 
"Perhaps a few days hence I'll send the cheque; 
To-day, my bank account's a perfect wreck." 
"Give me the cheque; I'll hold it for some days." 
And here he smiled — "I keep my word, always." 
And Madame gives the cheque; she knows it pays 
To have a scientist knowing her ways. 



48 LA PRIMA DONNA. 



XIII. 

When the Professor had the cheque secure, 

He said to her, "I am not now quite sure 

But that I, for some days may be called hence, 

And as a necessary consequence 

I must give you some lessons. Let us hence 

To your library repair: being there 

I will explain some detail of the care 

That you must exercise as to the air. 

The change of light, that must not be too bright 

Till my return, you all this work must do — 

You'll find it interesting, something new. 

Go in" — he opes the door — "I follow you," 

And there we leave them, as is right to do, 

When doctors come patients to interview. 

XIV. 

Alas! Some people are born curious, 

And like to know what other people do; 

Marie now undertakes a new opus, 

And to the keyhole very closely drew. 

We hope no one could say such thing of you. 

But our Professor was an able man, 

And 'gainst each chance he found a proper plan. 

To her chagrin there hear she nothing can. 

We can imagine that the purpose ran 

Quick through her head that chamber to explore 

Some other time, like Bluebeard's wife of yore. 



LA FBI MA DONNA. 49 



XV. 

"Goodby, Professor." 'Twas their last goodby, 
Albeit they knew it not, and neither's eye 
Betokened more emotion than do we 
Parting from friends we ne'er again shall see. 
We knew a man, a loving father, too, 
A few days since, as men at morning do. 
Kissed his dear wife, and started for the train, 
Yet in ten minutes was brought home again ; 
But nevermore those lips will say goodby — 
Papa and husband dead before them lay. 
Still mem'ry holds those loving tones so sweet, 
In truest echo — they each day repeat 
That last goodby. 

XVI. 

That evening Madame's visitors were numerous — 

Actors and actresses, merchants, jeunesse doree, 

And many social nondescripts, notorious. 

Excelled the lily of the field in fine array. 

Madame, supremely pleased, was everywhere, intent 

That no one aught should lack who was on pleasure bent. 

So games of cards for money, dance and song and wine 

Insured apparently to all a golden time. 

As Madame passed an open door, she on the stair 

Caught sight of Marie. Not a word spoken was there, 

But just a lifting of Marie's eyebrows explained 

That something was amiss. Her room she quickly gained. 



60 LA PRIMA DONNA 



XVIl. 

"Alas! Madame, there in your library, 
I hear a noise as one who groans I Come! See!" 
Much as the cannon's roar at Brunswick's ball, 
'Midst sound of revelry, turned "cheeks all pale 
That but an hour before" weren't pale at ail, 
So these few words made Madame's courage quail, 
But she was thoroughbred, and did not fail : 
"There's no one there to groan. Don't be absurd ! 
And even though you fifty groans had heard. 
What's that to you ? Are you afraid of groans. 
Or moans, or tones sepulchral?" 

XVIII. 

"Ah, oui, Madame, j'ai peur! 

But please do not infer 

You can so easily deceive me: 

It was the young man groaned 

As through that room I roamed ; 

His groan appealed to me for pity." 

XIX. 

Ah, the dark eye of woman ! How it can flash. 
(When she is smarting beneath some fury's lash) 
And show the venom of the thought behind, 
A sort of thunderbolt forged and meant to crash 
(Jupiter pictured by the Grecian mind). 
And Madame's flashed their very bitterest 
Then on the maid, who her so oft undressed. 



LA PRIMA DOJyJVA. 5I 



XX. 

He was a great philosopher who said, 
"No man can hero be to his valet." 
Madame to maid is just as apijlique; 
Besides, Marie was French all the way 
Through, and knew a thing or two. 

XXI. 

^'Well, what is it that you wish?'' 

*'I wish to know what mean those sleeping men, 

Lying like mummies in Egj'ptian crypt?" 

^'Wait till the guests are gone, and then 

I will enlighten you/' and off she skipt. 

XXII. 

And now, I pray you, hear Madame's story. 

It isn't gory as Bluebeard's appears; 

Its scientific interest asks no fears, 

As did that other tale in early years; 

Yet it may be that some it move to tears 

Whose lids these many years no tears have shed. 

xxiii. 

"Entrez, Marie." She opened wide the door. 
"You see," and here her voice did modulate, 
"These were my admirers importunate. 
Save one, and him I love; he loves not me.'' 
Here Marie thought, "I'll surely set him free!" 



52 LA PRIMA DONNA. 



XXIV. 

"I have discovered one may spend in sleep 
One -half his life, and still his life prolong. 
One-third our lives, says Byron in his song. 
The av'rage man must sleep, or right or wrong. 
For six months at a time man can resign 
Himself to sleep, and nothing suffer there. 
Nay, any invalid can so repair 
The diseased tissues hurt by constant wear 
That when he wakes, he walks again as fair 
As when in youth's bright day he trod the air, 
Keluctant then to walk like older men, 
His happiest power to run and run again. 
All that is needed is the best of care, 
Constant attention, warmth, no noise, fresh air, 
Four times a day be turned on either side, 
As mothers turn their sleeping infant pride. 
Three times a day with proper food supplied 
By inhalation — some savory stew 
With incense served I find the best will do. 
I but experiment ; some day I may 
Propose to Governments to do awa}' 
Capital punishment, and so essay 
'By sleep to knit the ravelled sleeve of crime, 
And prove the benefactress of my time." 



LA PRIMA I)0^''KA, 53 



XXV. 

"Madame, your dream's sublime!" 

XXVI. 

"Of course, no good to man comes save through ills. 

These men, I wrong, perhaps, in that their wills 

Are mine; but then the world will surely gain 

Greater advantage from their trifling pain. 

Think what a joy to triumph o'er suspense 

And wake to know the issue six months hence, 

All that consuming anguish overcome, 

Which every year so many souls has wrung. 

If I have not the 'omnia cura' found, 

At least, the major part of ills I've bound 

Within the fast embrace of Morpheus." 

XXVII. 

"Observe, now, number one. This quite old man 

With florid cheek, and hair and beard so white. 

He dotes on me, calls me his soul's delight. 

He lives on an annuity w^hich he 

Draws from a bank semi-annually. 

The last he drew he lost at cards with me : 

I could not cruel be, and so you see. 

In kindness here, I tend him carefully: 

He neither minds his loss, nor knows a care. 

So long as I can keep him quiet there. 



54 LA PRIMA DONy^A. 



XXVIII. 

And number two — observe, he is an heir 
To a large fortune, which he gets when he 
Shortly attains his full majority; 
He has a fair allowance, still you see, 
Not quite enough for our duality. 
And sleep costs little comparatively. 

XXIX. 

Here you perceive a graceful actress, too. 

She interfered with me. What could I do, 
Until I thought the knotty problem out. 
But take good care she didn't spy about? 
And all these others are contributors 
To science and to me, who for its cause 
Have undertaken such experiment: 
*'Xow, Marie, if it suits you, stay with me, 
And I will pay much more liberally." 

XXX. 

"Ah there, Madame, we certes shall agree! 

I surely will attain proficiency 

To such degree, you'll leave with me the key. 

Yet, e'er we leave the room, this fair young man 

With auburn hair, and this blond beard — who can 

Imagine fairer man than he there be? 

Tell me, I pray you, who is he?" 

**He is a college athlete, pure and true, 

A noble man as breath of life e'er drew. 

I keep him here awhile for fear he woo 

Some other ladv, as men are wont to do." 



LA PRIMA DONNA. 55 



XXXI. 

Extravaganza, say you? Pas de tout ! 
The picture's true to life; we'll prove it, too. 
Are there no lives within yowv mem'ry's span, 
Can point a moral and adorn this tale? 
Know you no wrecks that on these breakers ran. 
And on life's beach, like driftwood, now bewail 
The wreck of manhood, virtue, health, fair fame, 
Without a home, and bearing disgraced name? 

XXXII. 

How many moons have waned since we all read 
Of a young banker in backyard found dead. 
Who from like sleep, had fallen to the ground. 
The sleep that w^oman's coils about him bound, 
While but a few blocks off, a family rare, 
A lovely wife and children in despair! 

XXXIII. 

The strongest man was shorn of strength in sleep, 

Delilah's beauty chained him as complete 
As Madame's sleepers, whom Marie now tends 
With feather duster, and above them bends 
To see there be no symptom of extremity. 



56 LA PRIMA DONNA. 



XXXI V. 

Like Mother Eve, Marie was curious, 

And quickly took a plan, quite devious 

To that prescribed for treatment of the youth. 

She turned him round and round again so oft 

One day, that first he sneezed, and then he coughed. 

She then a little water on him threw, 

Which, for awhile, did really bring him to. 

He murm'd, "Where am I, and who are you?" 

"Why, I'm the princess sent to set you free. 

Pray keep awake, and you shall fly with me." 

And then she told him she would save his life 

If he would later take her for his wife. 

That was the way in olden time knights paid 

Like courtesy to many a Moorish maid. 

XXXV. 

Madame is rich; she has retired 
From science, and now stands attired 
Before the footlights, her farewell to make. 
Grown too stout, her voice a trifle thinner. 
Must in those trills its constant refuge take. 
Which spoils her reputation as a singer. 
That reputation she has chiefly prized. 
And now awakes at last to find despised. 
Still tragedy or comedy, she may 
Venture a year or two longer to play ; 
She knows full well that she "has had her day." 
There's something pitiful in such decay! 
Listen, she speaks : — 



LA PRIMA DONNA. t^'j 



XXXVI. 

'''Pray, one and all, in these, my parting words, 
To find some substance from these shadows past, 
You'll never hear again the singing birds 
That nested on your porch the summer past, 
And yet you know they lived, and loved and sang, 
All for some purpose in the Divine plan, 
And it may be some purpose in me ran. 
If my experiments to you seem cruel, 
Let me heap on your head this little fuel, 
Not "burning coals," but an electric spark; 
It may be then, that purpose you will mark, 

XXXVII. 

^'Society each year puts men to death. 

Whose lives are forfeited to outraged law, 

Put them to sleep — and keep that fleeting breath, 

For the wise purpose, so to learn the more 

How sleep the vital forces can restore. 

You surely won't refuse so slight request; 

'Twould gild your names when you are gone to rest. 

Think of the horrors they immured endure, 

Who wait electrocution as their cure. 

Sweep from the earth such barbarous device. 

And substitute 'death's image' at less price." 



58 LA PRIMA DONNA. 



XXXVIII. 

I, of my sleepers, took the best of care ; 
Your sleepers, ere they sleep, couch in despair. 
My sleepers wake; some trifles they deplore: 
Your sleepers from their sleep wake nevermore. 
You close a life that you cannot restore, 
A crimson stain where all was white before. 

XXXIX. 

A speculative scientist may try 
Experiments that others would descry. 
The end, the means, some say, will justify. 
The love of science and the need of cash 
Spur men to measures that sometimes abash. 
He who knows neither science nor sore need, 
No such temptation in defence can plead. 
What can he plead who takes a life away, 
That the Creator breathed into our clay, 
When, by a word, retain that life he may; 
And when no earthly power can say him nay? 
Lex talionis was the law of force, 
The force of love exceeds, and no remorse 
Attends its exercise. To its resource 
'Twere wise to have recourse. 



LA PRIMA DONNA. 59- 



XL. 

When critics merciless unbury dead, 
Upon the wings of fame, their names to spread, 
Were it not better that our acts should shed, 
Like an old trunk our dead have packed away, 
That being opened, yields the perfume they 
By a few roses therein thought to lay; 
A perfume that recalls but gentleness 
And hands all readiness to aid distress. 

XLI. 

That great tragedienne, Duse, did say, 

"My life is naught to you ; you simply pay 

To see and hear emotions I portray. 

Or to admire the toilettes I display." 

I quote that fair authority to you, 

Mesdames, Messieurs, and bid you all adieu. 

When Asrael's wing. 

Its shadow fling 

O'er me, maybe, 

This scientific lay 

Some day will come in play. 



MY FIRST CASE. 61 



MY FIRST CASE. 



I. 

The bewitching beauty Sylvia 
Gave me that last Polka Redowa, 
Closing the season at Mardi Gras, 
Balls, theatres, parties, opera. 

II. 

All the grand rounds of our select set, 
Creme de la Creme, McAllister's get, 
We had made, were not fatigue yet; 
Had danced the whole length of Murray Hill, 
At the Astors' balls, Jacob and Will; 
Fashion now cried. Halt! and said. Be still! 
Cover with ashes the season's sin. 
Farewell to meat, repentance begin. 

III. 

Our hands entwined, my right round her waist, 
The opportune moment I embraced. 
Whisp'ring low, Should we dance nevermore? 
That thought breeds others unknown before. 
I love you! I love you! What to do 
Without you, how shall I Lent put through? 
Oh! promise me, love, e'er we do part, 
To share the life troubles of this heart! 



62 MY FIRST CASE. 



IV. 

"That's a sweet little speech, I demur, 
Neat way to express 'affaire du coeur;' 
But don't you think it a trifle bold, 
O, briefless lawyer, devoid of gold, 
To make to the maid you now enfold?" 

V. 

Though smiling, a new tone 1 could trace; 
You see, I have now, Miss, my first case. 

VI. 

"Be brief, sir, then, let me hear the plea; 
I will both court and the jury be." 
You are, too, plaintiff, though 'tis I sue; 
And, defendant, your love I pursue; 
All my existence centres in you. 

VII. 

May it please the Court, then, in an action at law, 
The case goes by precedent 'stablished of yore; 
Men are born; they die. Some marry each day. 
The fates of humanity; listen, pray. 
If earth were without any gold to-day, 
Men would still marry in the usual Viny. 
Why, then, should not we? 



MY FIRST CASE. 63 



VIII. 



"Jack! Are you now speaking seriously?" 

Never more so, Sylvia. Answer me. 

The Court, very gently : — "Let counsel go hence. 

I will send this case out for a reference." 

So be it, Your Honor, although it seems hard. 

(Here she gave me her own father's business card.) 

Parting, she gave me her hand to kiss; 

That was my first conception of bliss! 

IX. 

I called at his office the next day. 

Quiet reigned, in an old fogy way, 

The clerks moved along, all old and gray, 

In a perfunctory sort of way. 

They need some new blood here, I can see. 

And all the world would agree with me. 

I sent my card in; was told to wait. 

Some clients came in, old and sedate. 

There was nothing youthful there, save me; 

I waited an hour impatiently. 

X. 

But all comes to him "qui sait attendre." 
Would my talent equal the demand? 
There are moments crucial in life, 
When one must win or die in the strife! 
Just such a moment had come to me; 
Ne'er was I cooler or more cheeky. 



64 Mr FIRST CASE. 



XI. 

"The business, sir?" he inquired of me. 
A reference case, as you shall see. 
Your name versus mine, from Miss Sjlvie. 
I handed the card given to me. 

XII. 

"Proceed with the case immediately." 

XIII. 

The argument in the court below 
Refers to a contract, and 3^ou know 
That Blackstone, Coke and Kent all agree 
To give a contract A^alidity 
Consent of all parties there must be. 

XIV. 

In the case in point, there's a minor heir; 

The natural guardian, sir, you are. 

If you please, the reference is sent 

To obtain the guardian's consent, 

The contract being matrimony. 

He smiled, and listened quite patiently. 



3IY FlUSl' CASE. 65 



XV. 

Of tliis contract, the essence, I fear, 

The consideration may appear. 

Had I the pennello of Angelo, 

The matchless colors of Tintoretto, 

The genius of Eaphaele, still I know 

The worth of the object I could not show. 

So beyond all price is this pearl so rare, 

I truly would give all I own to share. 

As the great Master tells about elsewhere. 

No consideration could be too dear. 

But such as I have, sir, you now shall hear. 

XVI. 

At this point an interruption came. 

An entire stranger, calling my name, 

Burst into the room, showing my card, 

And, though I felt it was very hard 

To meet interruption so ill starred 

(In Italian he inquired for me), 

I asked in Ifelian who was he 

Thus so unceremoniously 

Intruded himself there upon me. 

He burst into tears. 'Tlease, sir, you see, 

You only can save me! Come quickly! - 

I am lately come from Italy." 

His wife was gone with all his money. 



66 J^fy FIRST CASE. 



XVII. 

The pater, learning the case, told me, 
"Your case adjourned till evening will be." 
I saw that fate smiled propitiously. 
And set forth at once, with some degree 
Of interest in II Signore. 

XVIII. 

In one of Jack's letters he wrote me that he 
Had discovered a waiter who used to be 
Our own preferred garcon chez Filippini, 
Then passing as nobleman at Xapoli, 
And paying his court most assiduously 
To the young wife of the old Count Pizini. 

XIX. 

So he told the old Count that man was a fraud, 

Who told his wife, which enraged her; tears outpoured. 

That very day would she quit both bed and board; 

He was a wicked, jealous, tyrannical lord; 

She would never consent to be so annoyed! 

Till the loving old man knelt down and implored 

A kiss and forgiveness from her so adored. 

Jack was ecarte from their visitors' list. 

He vowed ne'er again to play philanthropist. 

I had always told Jack he lacked savoir faire, 

And he had confessed it was manifest there. 

So it came to my mind, descending the stair, 

That Jack's storv was linked witli this sad affair. 



3IY FIRST CASE. 67 



XX. 

Quite late in the evening I called on Sylvie, 
Who, with txue feminine curiosity: — 
"Jack! I'm dying to hear that little story." 
I, too, am impatient to learn of my fate. 
I fancy it better, my love, you should wait 
Till I learn from your father what is the state 
Of affairs. "Oh, Jack, that's all right; it is true 
Papa has consented that I may wed you — 
At least, he thinks, in a year or two, 
We may venture to marry, if you 
Think it then wise for us so to do." 
New obligations and rights accrue 
To each new status, and here I threw 
My arms about her, and kissed her, too, 
Just in the style prescribed by Dante, 
"Su la bocca tutto tremante." 



68 MY FIRST CASE. 



XXI. 

Sylvia, daughter of Eve, all our kind 

Are as one, and to our fate we go blind, 

As Eva to Adam was assigned 

By pity of the Eternal Mind. 

So we the infinite love will bind 

From our natures and lineage combined 

To produce a being long designed 

To appear when the day and the hour 

Shall call for the force of such power. 

Still we, love, yet we know not the why. 

Let us, then, in our lives, only try 

To look up to Olympus and say, 

Not our wills, but Thine we obey. 

"Why, Jack, that^s three sermons I to-day 

Have heard." Here pater made his entree. 

xxn. 

"Did you succeed with your case to-day?" 
He inquired in a fatherly way. 
I won, to be sure, and have my fee. 
"Then, sir, you may also have Sylvie." 
I bowed my head and said, laughingly, 
Two fees in one day one gets rarely. 
I will cherish this fee tenderly. 

XXIII. 
"Jack! Tell us that wonderful story!" 



3IY FIRST CASE. 



XXIV. 

So be it. I agree with Sydney, 
Who summed up life proverbially: — 
''Fate cannot harm me; I have dined to-day." 
My first care was his stomach to stay. 
Reaching the curb, I called a coupe, 
Drove to a restaurant on Broadway, 
Where they feed you well, yet make you pay. 
An old waiter, used to serving me, 
Pulled back a chair, pointing politely 
To my favorite locality. 

XXV. 

Huitres, Sauterne, filet, champignons, 

Cafe noir, cognac, give force to one 

To undertake greatest! deeds upon. 

I felt the battle was surely won. 

And, pushing the chair back, said, "Charlie," 

Giving him the customary fee, 

"Whatever became of Giovanni, 

Who years ago used to wait on me?" 

"I saw him last night, sir. To-day he 

Sails for Europe at three on the Spree." 



70 -Vr FIRST CASE. 



XXVI. 

"Is he, then, a great capitalist, 

To roam abroad as a grand tourist? 

The only reply vouchsafed to me 

Was that shrug of the shoulders so Frenchy. 

XXVII. 

Drive to the Spree, I said to cabby. 
Better cross by ferry at Barclay. 
I had caught a clew 1 thought would hold. 
The rascal was playing game so bold, 
Madame had agreed the night before 
Churches and sights with him to explore. 
Early that morning he called for her. 
She went without the slightest demur. 
While at the Cathedral he bethought 
Of a matter of business; he ought 
Really instantly there to repair; 
Would Madame kindly await him there? 



MY FIRST CASE. 71 



XXVIII. 

Madame waited two hours; meanwhile he 
Had driven quickly her maid to see, 
Telling her Madame had sent for her; 
She must take the carriage instanter. 
The driver he ordered to tlie Park. 
He paid his bill for the little lark. 
Then he stole everything he found there, 
And took himself off for parts elsewhere. 

XXIX. 

The Count at such an hour had returned. 
Imagine the emotions that burned 
Within that old man's breast, when it learned 
Itself abandoned, robbed — aye, worse, spurned 
By its own idol. Rage and grief came. 
Each a flame, to dye that face with shame, 
Until it seemed the gorg'd veins would melt 
With their hot stream that like lava felt. 
Anglo-Saxon blood, like falcon, trained 
To dominate passions once arraigned, 
Can little know th' Italian phrensy, 
Leaping to living flame instantly, 
Like spark to powder mine — in one blow 
Changing joyous life to endless woe. 



72 MV FIRST CASE. 



XXX. 

It was no easy task to undertake 

A wronged volcano's energy to slake. 

The victim with the rogue his peace to make. 

Bj two strong Irishmen to keep the peace 

My characters I now had to increase. 

The Count I put upon the steamer's deck, 

While I remained below at once to check 

The chance encounter of a broken neck. 

Nor long to wait. Giovanni soon appeared, 

Two heavy satchels, and so further geared 

With wraps and canes, he fell an easy prey, 

As by one wrench I caught the bags away. 

And, smiling, said, ''You used to wait on me; 

'Tis fitting now you should be served by me." 

I up the gangplank quickly led the way. 

Just then he saw the Count: mine was the day. 

But now the Irishmen came into play; 

They held the Count, preventing any fray. 



3fY FIRST CASE. 73 



XXXI. 

It is an interesting sight to see 

Man moved to rage, if impotent to harm. 

How Godlike now, mighty with energy, 

That brow, a moment since insipid, calm. 

The heaving chest, the nostrils' subtle play. 

Who dreamed such active muscles dormant lay 

Hidden, until, as now, called to portray 

The inner self, which in emergency 

Assumes control and shows what man might be? 

How head and face and neck now ruddy glow, 

And every vein stands out with its full flow 

Of nature's current. Could man remain so 

One day of life would equal ages slow 

Of that half torpid flow we daily know. 

So close we now the scene with this tableau. 

XXXII. 

All was recovered, jewels and money. 

Giovanni, all confess'd, was let go free. 

You are invited to assist with me 

Now at a scene between i congiugi. 

In which some human passion you shall see. 



74 -Vr FIRST CASE. 



XXXIII. 

Eing up the curtain. 
Beauty in tears appears. 
You may be certain. 
Compromised, self-despised, 
A little hell within 
vShe bore of keenest sting. 
And yet no carnal sin 
Had soiled Madame. 

XXXIV. 

"What will he say? That I have thrown away 
My love upon a wretch? Misera me! 
Why could I not obey and walk the way 
In which his tender love for me desired? 
Can he respect her who could not detect 
The 'kitchen knave' from true nobility, 
And even longed for such society?' 
Though he could pardon me, myself cannot. 
Henceforth, surely must be some other lot. 
Wherein reminder of so foul a blot 
Shall never come. Ah! woe is me! Undone! 
Farewell, oh, home! Xo home remains, I see, 
But some dull cell within a nunnery!" 



31 Y FIRST CASE. 



XXXV. 

A moment later we had been too late, 

But now the ProTidence which is called fate 

Ordained that we should enter at the door. 

Be ours the power here sweet peace to restore. 

Observe the glance that passes 'fween the pair. 

''And who is this intruder here, you bear, 

Me to humiliate? Signor, take care. 

Goad not the wounded beast within its lair!" 

XXXVI. 

"Signora, I, your husband's counsel, friend, 
Entreat you, hear me briefly. In the end 
I hope this matter properly ijo mend." 

XXXVII. 

"Mend what you please, sir. Talk you not to me," 
And here she bore herself with dignity. 

XXXVIII. 

"Signora, as a Medico, I see 

Grave wounds require desperate remedy; 

And I will flinch not now from my duty." 

XXXIX. 

"You and your duty, sir, are naught to me. 
Begone, or let me pass, sir, instantly. 
If gentleman perhaps you claim to be." 



76 



MY FIRST CASE. 



XL. 

^'Go certainly; but first let me restore 
These jewels and this letter. Nevermore 
Giovanni's letters are you like to see. 
Here, too, is his confession, left with me 
Before we wished him "Bon voyage" at three. 
He has explained he purposed robbery, 
And left you at a church quite suddenly. 
A most accomplished rascal, as you see. 
A rivederci! 

XLI. 

A perfect actress at such pass would faint, 

And so did la Contessa. Like a saint 

She looked, so fair. Madonna's face 

Forever conquers man. That heavenly grace 

Which sits on woman's brow still speaks our race 

But little lower than the angels made. 

In that by love it is so easy swayed. 

It with the Count's resolve sad havoc played, 

And, stooping there, besought her he with tears 

To live for him henceforth, to have no fears. 

Only to be his sunshine and delight. 

She should go where she pleased, with whom she liked. 

And as those lovely orbs slowly unveiled. 

Fanning desire, and all his joy regaled, 

He seemed a happy child, and love prevailed. 

There in the lap of age we leave beauty. 

He had his idol, I a handsome fee. 



MY FIBST CASE. 7T 



XLII. 

"Well, Jack, that's quite a romance for one dayo 
Can't you adorn it with a moral, pray?" 
Why, yes, I'll coin a new one right away: — 
The tip you give to the waiter to-day, 
Like bread on the water, may you repay, 
At some other time, in some other way. 

XLITI. 

On the longest day in the month of June 

Sylvia and I were married at noon. 

The sun shed upon us his hottest ray; 

From meadows the perfume of new-mown hay 

The zephyrs bore us, their tribute to pay. 

The birds in the trees their melodies sang. 

And the insect world all the changes rang 

In grand diapason's octave grave, 

And the white robed priest his blessing gave 

To this venturesome youth and trusting maid. 

Who to the universe their bow made. 



SCRAPS. 



REVERY. 

Like footprints on the beach of time, 

We leave behind us here in rhyme 

Scenes from the passing show revealed, 

Within which there may be concealed 

Some pleasing thoughts for him who strays 

Along this beach in sunny daA^s, 

And sees the ships, clouds, sea, we saw, 

With like delight; hears the same roar 

That echoes here for evermore. 

If our impress, for lack of weight, 

The winds and waves obliterate. 

That still is but the common fate, 

And we shall not stand isolate. 

For genius by itself must stalk. 

And it were better far to walk 

With those we love, and share their fate. 

Than to survive in lonely state. 

Indelible and venerate. 



• 79 

SCRAPS. 



VITTORIA MATTEL 

There is an apple woman on Broadway; 
In storm or sunshine, see her there you may, 
Winter or summer, each and every day; 
Contented with her lot, she passes life away. 
Her little commerce makes but small display. 
Although she strives her best it to array 
Temptingly bright, right in the urchins' way. 
Years since her hair had turned to silv'ry gray, 
Still ample braids upon her forehead lay 
(As pretty hair as ever see you may). 
No trace of care her features e'er betray. 
Few wrinkles are there on that placid face. 
Her figure, shrunk, preserves still girlish grace. 
The busy crowds push by with rapid pace. 
Unmindful of the goddess of the place. 
But we, who see with poet's eye, oft trace, 
Her lips are moving in a silent prayer, 
Her fingers o'er her beads company bear 
To fix her mind where such distractions are. 

About her marble palaces are reared, 
Luxury, comforts, clerks and merchants share. 
She in the wintry blasts alone, uncheered, 
Sits through the day and warms herself in prayer. 
Let us endeavor such a prayer to frame 
And all her blessings properly to name. 



80 8CJtAJPS. 



"I thank Thee, Lord, for this cold winter's day, 

That I may sit and pray in silence here; 
My heart from envy of a fire may stay, 

And thank Thee, Lord, that Thou my prayer wilt hear. 
Let me not covet that sweet lady's furs, 

Nor that warm overcoat the banker wears. 
Perhaps my life may be as fair as hers 

When in eternity the Judge compares. 
How sweet the prayer that lady offers Thee 

For all her blessings to Thine ear must be! 
Ah me! I fear my importunity 

With constant litany may weary Thee! 
That I am little I do not repine; 

Thou, for Thy purpose, hast ordained my lot. 
Perhaps some contrasts Thou wouldst here combine 

Kequire that I should occupy this spot. 



SCRAPS. 81 



If, like Stylites on his pillar bound, 
'Midst crowds unstable, stable I am found, 
With chattering teeth to-day, anon in rain, 
In heat, in sleet, each season these repeat, 
These are no longer pain, but my great gain. 
Ah! let me pillow on Thy bosom sweet 
This poor old head, and thank Thee that I find 
The hearts compassionate that are so kind, 
Upon these steps permit my little trade; 
Be their great pity by these thanks repaid. 
If in these lofty palaces there be 
Or rich or proud who ne'er give thanks to Thee 
For all Thy mercies showered so lavishly, 
Perchance the thanks of one who never knew 
Such blessings, offered in their name and lieu, 
May lead Thee on, their blessings to renew. 
If so, I thank Thee now. Pardon them, too. 
My only wish is that Thou hold me fast. 
Ah, thanks! Here is a customer at last!" 



32 SCRAPS. 



One morn, when in the snow deep on the ground, 

We saw her sitting there, with a profound 

€ompassion and respect we bowed to her, 

As to a saint of God we would aver 

That we delighted reverence to do 

To one keeping their watch so holy true. 

She smiled and bowed, and ever after we 

Oreeted each other as we met daily. 

One day we asked her name — Vittoria — 

And as we moved awav 

A voice within did say, 

"Thanks be to God, who giveth victory." 

Alas! this picture shortly will portray 

Old age and beauty that have passed away, 

And then this print, these lines alone, will be 

All that remains to mark a memory 

Of a sweet life in stony soil that grew 

To the perfection we would keep in view, 

Though in its passing it privations knew. 

As one who takes delight in botany 

Culls to preserve rare specimens that he 

In his delightful rambles sometimes sees. 

We cull this flower of the humanities, 

That in the garden of our memories 

We from its seed ma}' grow humility. 

The rarest virtue of our centurv. 



SCBAP.S. 83 



GREED VERSUS FIGURES. 

An Historical Legal Decision Reported in Ockley's 
History of the Saracens. 

On the desert, so they say, 
In an age long passed away, 
Met three trayellers one day, 
Quite in *'Ben Hur's" opening way. 
By a well then sat down they, 
And to dine did they essay. 

One had five loaves; one had three; 
But the third man, none had he; 
So they shared for charity; 
And they fared alike, all three. 
A good appetite gives taste 
Unto all before it placed. 
So they laughed and talked, and ate 
Till naught remained on the plate. 

Up to this point, all were friends; 
When the third man, as amends 
For their goodness, o'er them bends, 
And of gold laid pieces eight 
On the plate, and, quite elate. 
Went his way at rapid gait. 



84 SCHAPS. 



"I will take one-half/' said A. 
B replied: — ''I tell thee naj; 
As the loayes were five and three, 
Let the cash divided be." 
And, since they could not agree, 
To the court went angrily. 
Thus a question of money 
Often breaks all harmony. 

First the plaintiff's case was heard, 
Claiming half should be conferred 
Upon him who half had given 
Out of love for man and heaven. 
The defendant then replied 
That he had the most supplied, 
And he would be satisfied 
Only with a just divide. 

Then the court with dignity 
Hem'd, and said that there would be 
An adjournment until three. 
When again in places all, 
And the crier's "Oyez" call 
Had re-echoed through the hall. 
The learned judge arose and said 
He the papers o'er had read, 
And that all the equity 
Favored B, as you will see. 

The decision then is given; 

A takes one piece, B takes seven. 



sea A PS. 85 



Eight loaves we'll divide in thirds, 
Making twenty-four, in words. 
Each eats eight of such divisions; 
Then what part of the provisions 
Furnished each? On these conditions 
Plaintiff furnished pieces nine, 
Eight of which to him assign; 
Therefore, let him one piece take. 
The defendant's five loaves make 
Fifteen pieces, of which eight 
Himself ate — w^e calculate — 
Leaving seven to charity. 
Clearly, then, in equity 
Seven pieces his should be. 
Justice Ali, fourth Caliph of Araby. 
Let the costs deducted be 
Now proportionately. 

To the credit of that court 

Be it said, as it ought, 

That decision still holds good. 

Justice here, you plainly see, 
lis a rare commodity; 
And, as happens frequently, 
When you get it you may be 
Disappointed wofully. 
Even if you win your case, 
There's a bill of costs to face. 
Put your heads together, man, 
And settle it as best vou can. 



86 SCJRAPS. 



MINERVA. 



My little daughter looks at me, 

An open book upon her knee. 

And asks, perplexed, inquiringly, 

"Papa, is 't not absurdity 

Here in the old mythology 

To say Minerva, full armed, sprang 

From the great brain of Jove when rang 

Old Vulcan's axe's stroke thereon?" 

"Dear heart, by fable, they would say 

That wisdom came from God that way, 

Having no youth, witli Him alway 

It was, it is, ever will be. 

His token of priority. 

Without it He would cease to bo almighty." 

Within those soft eyes shone surprise. 
As when one sees before him rise 
Treasure of a new-found pleasure, 
"Thank you, papa, that makes it plain 
That He who wisest is must reign 
As King of kings, and God of gods." 

One further lesson is conveyed 

Within that fable, little maid — 

That man gets wisdom through hard knocks; 

The blow experience deals oft shocks 

The head, the heart, the pocket, too; 

Who soonest learns hath least to rue. 

Therefore, the fable is quite tru.e, 

In that these triiths it teaches you. 



fclOTIKADI TRAIANO IN CRISTAtLO IM MONTB 




>^ 



"^-=5^ 




Nelmiueo JJ Jhjnorx/Htifk I 



SCRAI'S. 87 



PLOTINA. 

It is a joy, turning some time stained page, 

To light upon a noble countenance, 

Preserved by chance that they of later age 

May by the magic of a single glance 

Be won to read the story of a heart 

That on life's stage once played a noble part ; 

To us objective lessons such impart. 

Let all who view this ancient signet ring 
Aspire to gain from it some pleasing thought; 
And, giving rein to fancy while musing, 
Plotina seek to know, and what she wrought. 

'Tis sure she had her fortunes in her face; 

Who looks on her, imperial majesty 

Will see stamped on her brow, and queenly grace 

Speaks in each feature of a noble race. 

Her lineage. She an Emp'ror's nuptial bed 

Did share, and yet no child did bear 

Upon his throne to sit, he being dead. 

Seemeth it cruel great souls to deny 

Perpetuation of a noble seed? 

Washington Avill such cross exemplify. 

Such fates the gods allot, we know not why. 



88 SCRAPS. 



*'Pater Patriae," he came to be known, 

And she as "Mater" to the poor of Rome. 

Mindful of others' griefs, they lost their own. 

'*In that fierce light that beats upon a throne," 

Wise, chaste and modest, in an evil day, 

This sweet-faced woman's life makes grand display. 

She, when the Christians doomed were everywhere 

To bitter persecution and despair. 

Had seized upon their hearts, did do and dare, 

Turning great Trajan's pity to their aid, 

Who wrote, ''My Pliny, let this woe be stayed." 

She went and came amid the greatest there. 

And history speaks her good as she is fair. 

Sweet face on gem, how fittingly engraved. 

The ravages of time for beauty stayed. 

During the nineteen years of Trajan's reign 
Much of his time was spent in camp and plain. 
While she at Rome ceaselessly forged the chain 
That bound the nation to him ; her domain 
Was constant entertain. Look once again 
Upon that charming brow, and let us now 
Consider the great mind that worked behind. 



scitAPS. 89 

When Trajan died the fact she did conceal 
Until she summoned Adrian. Rome's weal 
She saw would be imperilled; she must act, 
And act she did, with an exquisite tact. 
From every quarter of the globe to Rome 
Armies on armies would have spurred. Alone 
She met the world. Made declaration there 
That Trajan had adopted for his heir 
And as successor in his dynasty 
His cousin Adrian. Thus in her hand 
She grasped the nettle safety for that land. 
And Adrian proved the wisdom of her choice, 
As you may learn if you consult the voice 
Of history. 

*'I see before me now the gladiator lay. 

Their Dacian sire butchered for Roman holiday" 

Is a sad picture of society 
In Trajan's reign, and its brutality 
Drawn by a master hand, yet equally 
About her, scholars, pagans, we may see 
With noblest maxims of philosophy. 
Enforcing virtue and morality. 
How held this woman her supremacy? 

Some eighteen hundred years have rolled away 
Since, veiled in flesh, these features' mobile play. 
Lit by their smile, emotions deep that lay 
Within the hearts of those she loved that day; 
Here as we see them on this gem clear cut. 
Sweet face, we love thee for thy beauty, but 
Still more for virtues that thy life controlled. 
Did ever poet's arms a fairer woman hold? 



90 SCJiAPS. 



AH! CHE LA MORTE. 



There is a picture you have often seen 

In the grand gallery by Poet hung, 

'Neath which all linger for awhile to dream 

Dreams past the compass of an earthl}' tongue 

To properly unfold. 

Oh! loneliness untold! 

A white-haired, venerable man alone 

Sits on a mountain top, alone to die; 

A golden twilight's parting tini!s are thrown 

Across the scene for the last time his eye 

Will e'er behold. 

Life's tale is told. 

Stript of all earthly things, like naked soul, 

Relieved of all life's honors and its cares. 

His parting glance still o'er that scene doth roll, 

His voice a mournful tone impressive wears. 

'Tis hard to part 

With earth, sad heart! 

"Farewell, oh, stubborn host, led now so long. 

That but the morrow's dawn do there await 

To cross yon river, buoyed with hope so strong, 

And leave me here, all heedless of my fate! 

Mine was the pain; 

Another reaps the gain !" 



SCRAPS. 91 



On the last round of Jacob's ladder stand 

Four men to-day, who all have passed four score; 

Each waiteth but the outstretched, helping hand 

To pass the bourne whence traveller no more 

Shall e'er return. 

While we may yet discern 

These aged figures on that topmost round, 

Let us their aims and exits analyze. 

Why should suns set 'midst darkness so profound, 

That in Aurora's splendor had their rise? 

If manhood aim aright, 

The end should not be Night. 

Bismarck, Lesseps, Gladstone, e'er ye depart, 
Leave us some token that ye find the end 
Is worth the cost ye paid to stand apart, 
And pose, as if mankind ye did transcend. 
Your end seems vanity 
Of vanity. Err we? 

Oh! man of blood and iron, who would bind 
Your fellow man to your triumphal car? 
The fate you forged for others you did find. 
And the vast host you led, now from afar, 
Your fallen state 
Indifferent contemplate. 
Who takes the sword 
Will perish by the sword. 



92 8CKAPS. 



Does the end pay, Lesseps? Would that the tomb 
Could swallow up your error — Panama. 
Why with false figures dared you to presume 
To lead to ruin through your evil star 
The little ones of earth, 
Who trusted to your worth? 
Whom others would mislead. 
Himself falls prey to greed. 

Gladstone, with darkened sight and feeble frame, 

Like Moses, look upon a thankless host. 

Whom you no more shall lead. Was this the fame 

Through years of strife you did your uttermost 

At last to win? 

Is peace within? 

Ambition, courage, strength. 

Beach dismal goal at length. 



sen A PS. 



9a 



Triumvirate of disappointed men, 
Look at the figure standing at your side- 
Giuseppe Verdi, wearing diadem ; 
Still crowned with honors, yet devoid of pride, 
His end, his dream, all peace. 
His glory will increase. 
And generations yet unborn will sing 
The grand conceptions of this peaceful king, 
Who sought his fellow mortals to delight; 
His force was love, and yours the force of might. 
No disappointment, but a halo bright, 
Gilds his last hours, as, passing from our sight, 
Celestial harmonies to Heaven invite. 

List, as the mists enfold that aged frame, 

What tender words those dying lips proclaim:— 

"I give and I bequeath all I possess, 

A million dollars, be it more or less, 

To found a home where peace and happiness 

In their last days poor troubadors may bless, 

Where they may shielded be from all distress. 

This fortune a glad world has given me, 

'Tis fitting they who sang my melody. 

By it from want should now protected be. 

Good night. Amen, until we meet again." 



•94 SCRAPS. 



THE REJECTED STOKE. 



The boot of Italy, we will assume, 

Is on the left foot by some chance or doom. 

Cajje Vaticano, then, toe joint will be 

By geographical anatomy. 

A gouty point certes, you will agree, 

And none more perilous upon that sea. 

A lofty light house there with lurid flame. 

Like inflammation in the human frame. 

Their pains and perils do alike i)roclaim. 

From this high tower, one sees, afar, Stromboli, 

And even xVetna's snow crowned i)eak so hoary. 

As gouty toe shows glimpse of Purgatory, 

You may perceive how good our simile. 

Why "Vaticano" this cape called should be. 

Since we are told there's where they keep the key 

From pains and Purgatory souls to free. 

There is a legend from the far, dim past, 
Minerva's foot here rested when she cast 
Mount Aetna on the Titan, to hold him fast. 
Kow, having shown that here the sacred foot 
Hath pressed this soil and its indenture put, 
And, furthermore, that it's called Vaticano, 
We will a satire show — Americano. 



8CEAJPS. 95 



If we have brought you to Cape Vaticauo, 
'Tis not to leave you gazing on oceano; 
But in the hope that you will go a mile 
Or two with us to Mileto. You smile. 
'Tis well the walk with pleasant talk beguile. 

Mileto is a very ancient town, 

In centuries long past had its renown. 

Was birthplace of Roger, who wore the crown. 

It has a charm of scene and peacefulness 

That's very winning, as you will confess 

When we are there; and this it was, they say. 

That, long before, an abbot came one day. 

And, being won upon by its seclusion, 

Conceived the thought there could be no intrusion 

To mar the meditations of his flock, 

Since nothing there their eyes or thoughts would shock. 

And then he built an abbey and a church 

That stood for ages, till one day a lurch 

Or earthquake shock shook them all down. 

We'll see their ruins when we reach the town. 

Among the religieux of that community 
Was one who for his work shall here remembered be. 
He had been bred in Rome full courteously; 
Had pondered well lore of antiquity. 



96 SCMAI'S. 



Beyond our power to-day to learn his name, 

Or to recite achievements of his fame, 

Or how from vanities to turn he came. 

Whether through disappointed love, or weariness 

Of flesh, or whether drawn by its own loveliness, 

He to the cloister turned for happiness. 

What holy visions came there to reward, 

Unto what sweet communings there he soared 

In contemplation of his Lord, adored, 

Are curiosities that we must hoard 

Until all secrets are revealed by God. 

Among the things of earth he from his mind 

Could not divorce was an old stone. It twined 

Such tendrils 'round his thought; in vain he sought 

Its mystic operation to explain. 

The more he thought the stronger grew the chain 

Upon his fancies, and to pass it came 

One day that he said to the abbot, ''Pray, 

Give me some days of leave, to go away; 

Th' Eternal City I would see once more." 

'Then go in peace, my son," and through the door 

With sandal shod, and clad with cord and gown. 

Leaning on pilgrim's staff, he left the town. 

Intent, like Paul, that he at Rome would be; 

'Tis clear such men are led by destiny. 



SCRAPS. 97 



'Twas in the broad moonlight, on Appian Way, 
He drew near to the city. At that day 
Peril in every road for travellers lay. 
But he who earthly things hath put away, 
Safely, securely, passes life's highway. 
Though infinitely rich is despised prey. 
For thieves impotent are to steal what they 
So openly to view as wealth display. 

"The walls of lofty Rome," "Rome's lofty walls" 
Still guard the old she wolf. The sentries' calls 
Are music to his ears; the soft moonlight 
Gilds with a halo all things to his sight. 
He sits him down to wait for break of da}'. 
And gives the rein to fancies now in play. 
What noble heart can view these walls unmoved, 
Nor see the centuries which there are grooved? 
The Goth, the vandal, time, war, famine, fire. 
Have done their worst — those walls rise ever higher! 
From the purifier new life acquire. 



98 SCRAPS. 



Lord, what is man that Thou rememberst him ? 

Millions of men before these walls so grim, 

The seed of man in life's blood here have sown, 

Yet perished, all upwept, unsung, unknown. 

Ah, no! How prone to err, each man that died 

Came by Thy purpose, that him sanctified. 

In Thy remembrance he must yet abide; 

Even these stones live missions to perform. 

The still, small voice, and not the whirlwind's storm. 

Still unto man Thy purposes inform. 

Behold ! Thy servant sitteth here alone. 

Seeking to do Thy will, and through a stone 

Thy purpose to accomplish all unknown. 

In through the gates he entered with the dawn ; 

He greeted none, and for no past did mourn. 

He came to where a house in ruin lay, 

And found the stone we show you here to-day. 

To Mileto he had it borne away. 

Of him no more these ancient legends say. 



SCHAI'S. 99 



Gaze on the ruins of that ancient abbe^'! 
How "Time, the beaiitifier of the dead," we 
Find has softened all the dismal gaps and peaks 
With its graceful festoons as each year on creeps 
"The ivy green," whose cliaritable mantle 
With each new need providing new folds ample 
Covers ''the soils and lossels" of an evil day 
That wrecked this glorious pile, of beauty made decay. 
And there stands the old church, whose ancient bell 
Morning and evening in each cloistered cell 
Called the good monks their precious beads to tell. 
Some feet below the ground they all sleep well. 
Just there, below the chancel window placed, 
Stood the great stone from Kome. 'Tis now replaced 
Within the new cathedral's wall. See, deeply traced. 
Its message from the past still undefaced. 



100 SCJRAJPS. 



''pro COPE MANVS LEBO CONTR/vDEYM^ 

5vs/(Tv/J,Lir 

qy:\ivi •'■jkim-|NOs.:xx. 



Oh, "read, for thou canst read," this awful prayer! 

To him who seeks intent, it will declare 

Far more than would appear is graven there. 

A woman's death, her innocent, brief day. 

Were motive causes of intent that lay 

Within the brain of him who thus did say, 

"I lift my hands to God'' — not hands of elfiy. 

The worm that feeds on them will, too, decay; 

But living hands imperishably may 

Bring down Thy vengeance, for which here I pray. 

I lift my hands to God ! Freemason, he. 

A word misspelled informs us equally 

That he perchance was not of high degree; 

But he had learned his craft diligently, 

As after these long ages now we see. 

"I lift my hands to God!" None escape may, 

However long delayed the evil day. 

What was the vengeance? God alone can say. 

Somewhere, some one, perchance, may still abide 

To whose forebears this incident applied. 

Is this entreated vengeance satisfied? 



SCRAPS 101 



Let us retrace our steps to Vaticano. 

Yet stop! Why diggeth there il Sagrestano, 

Outside this half-filled churchyard's stony pale, 

Grave for mortality's remnants so frail, 

And that long train bearing the bier that come 

With sprig ot palm in hand of every one? 

That is, or was, Depretis,* but no priest 

Sings his last requiem, for the deceased 

Was a Freemason. Ah, humanity, 

Eejoice those ancient hands still toil for thee! 

Behold, a nation bows all reverently 

As the Prime Minister of Italy, 

"Deep in his narrow cell'' all i)eacefully, 

Freemasons' arms now lower to his rest. 

They with no empty praises him invest, 

But in the grave each man after the other 

Throws tender sprig of green. ''Alas, my brother!" 

I lift my hands to God, an ancient stone 
The builders of a temple would reject; 
And yet it came at length to stand alone. 
The crowning glory of its architect; 
And the Grand Master, in all things perfect, 
The stone that bears His name will still protect. 
I lift my hands to God! 

*A terrible satire in the name. 



PREFACE, 

The Mergenthaler type maker and setter is perhaps the 
marvel of the century. It and the Century Dictionary, 
which has so amplified our English language by borrowing 
about one hundred and fifty thousand words from other lan- 
guages, have rendered the use of italics quite an unnecessary 
extravagance and waste of time in bookmaking, and the au- 
thor has deemed them of so little value (as compared with 
their increased cost) that he has omitted them. All culti- 
vated people will recognize at a glance the appropriate 
places where they should be and are not, and may amuse 
themselves by accenting and underscoring witli their pencils 
as they read, if their taste in letters be so fastidious that they 
cannot be happy without them. ''Chacun a sou gout." The 
gratification of such nicety of taste will perhaps lead to a 
more attentive reading of the subject matter, in which case 
the writer is likely to rise in their esteem. When posthu- 
mously he shall attain to the dignity of a silken cover and 
profuse illustration, all errors will then be revised and cor- 
rected in a manner to satisfy even the most critical. 

As he who confesses and asks pardon has half atoned 
his fault, the critical reader will assuredly not withhold 
forgiveness. The prefaces of others have been for years an 
interesting study to your friend whose little work is in your 
hand; yet this is his first attempt on his own account, and 
may therefore invest it in your remembrance with some 
added interest, as it also may give you some insight to his 
aims and aspirations. 



104 PREFACE. 

Years ago he mentally resolved that he would not sell 
his brains to a publisher, but would make for himself what 
raonej' was to be made by being his own publisher. Catti- 
vello, having a novel now ready to print, undertakes to get 
his experience as a publisher — and economically determines 
to tiT a small book first. For the benefit of others he records 
the experience so far gained. He presented himself at the 
office of the New York Herald, which advertises to do com- 
position, and submitting his manuscript received an esti- 
mate for the book. At this point a Poet's reflective thought 
evolved a caution. Try ''The Highlands' Lights" first, and 
see how it looks in proof. It appearing fairly well to his eye, 
he then left the balance of the matter to be set up. A printer 
and a bookbinder were easily found, with whom he con- 
tracted separately, both of them agreeing to carry out his 
design to the letter. 

At the last momcul, when all these peaks have been 
climbed, the author seats himself to write a preface. A book 
without a preface is, in his opinion, like a rustic boor who in- 
trudes upon 3'ou without! proj)er announcement or the for- 
mality of a knock at the door. 

From the peak whereon he sits Cattivello looks forward 
to other peaks beyond; having surmounted the obstacle of a 
publisher, how will he reach the Public; how sell his book 
now that he has it to sell? The reflection at this point forces 
itself upon one that, after all, the publisher is a useful mem- 
ber of society, and may have a valuable experience that it 
took years to gain, and the chief feature in which may be the 
knowledge how to sell books. Not knowing where to find his 
enemies (if any there be) to whom courageously to offer his 
Quartetto for sale, he must perforce turn his footsteps tow- 
ard the camp of Lis friends, if it is to be sold. 



PREFACE. 105 

Cattivello reverently confesses that he has been blessed 
with many friends. Unlike Don Quixote, he has written his 
own preface without consulting any of them, but in a manner 
closely resembling that Knight of imperishable renown, un- 
daunted courage, wide experience and vast erudition, he to- 
day rides forth alone and entrusts to the Post Office Depart- 
ment of his country one thousand copies of his Quartette 
addressed only to friends whose hands he has pressed in 
amity and good will, firmly believing that their curiosity to 
read what he may have to say in his novel may induce them 
promptly to acknowledge the receipt hereof. 

A great French writer is reported to have replied to 
the qiiestion, "What is the prime factor in success?": — 
"L'audace et toujours I'audace." Behold, then, Cattivello's 
work completed is in your hand and you are reading his 
sublimely audacious Preface. 

"Dear Sir or Madame^Truly your forgiveness he im- 
plores, but the fact is'' he has taken the liberty of sending 
you a book written to sell. If after its perusal you think 
it worth one dollar (the price at which it is for sale every- 
where) he trusts you will feel no hesitancy in sending him 
that amount, and if, on the other hand, you do not regard 
it as of such value, will you then be so obliging as to toss 
it out of the window into the street, where, perhaps, (the 
critical reader will please to doubly underscore "per- 
haps''), some one may pick it up, and even read it witli 
such pleasure as to be glad to send its price, for either of 
which kindnesses Cattivello will hold you in lasting re- 
membrance. As this "Quartetto" is the overture to his 
novel, he takes the liberty of inserting his Preface here. 



'shCS". 



